Illuminated holder for a beverage container

ABSTRACT

A cup-shaped beverage container holder ( 10 ) has a cutout ( 16 ) in a desired shape or form in a sidewall ( 14 ). A light source ( 18 ) is fitted into or adjacent the cutout and can provide one or more colors when energized. A battery ( 20 ) fits in a base ( 12 ) of the holder and a pressure switch ( 24 ), also installed in the base, is activated by the weight of a set in the holder to complete a circuit and turn “on” the lights. A programmable controller ( 28 ), also powered by the battery affects turning the lights “on” and “off” simultaneously, or in a predetermined sequence.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/538,928 filed Jan. 23, 2004 from which priority is claimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to containers such as beverage containers and the like; and, more particularly, to a holder for such containers which is an illuminated holder.

Beverage can holders are commonplace. The typical holder is made of a molded plastic material sized for a container such as a beer or soft drink can, or a bottle. The holder is cup shaped having a flat base so the holder can be conveniently set upon an available surface, and a circular sidewall whose inner diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the container. The latter allows the container to fit snuggly within the holder.

The holder serves a number of useful functions. Since it larger than the container placed in it, it is easier to hold. In addition, the holder provides some insulation so a refrigerated container placed in the holder will not reach the ambient temperature of the surroundings as quickly as the container by itself. The holder also retains some, if not all, of the condensation forming on the outside of the container so that the consumer can more readily hold and drink from the container without it slipping out of his grasp. If the container is for a heated beverage, the holder acts an insulator against the heat allowing the consumer to drink the beverage without burning his fingers. Many holders are used for advertising purposes. These are given away as promotions at ballparks and other sports arenas, in gift packages, etc. The holders are decorated with the logos of a company, or an advertisement or slogan for a product or service being promoted or sold by the company distributing the holder. One problem with conventional holders is that they have become so commonplace that many people who receive them pay no attention to what is printed or inscribed on the holder. Accordingly, they provide little or no value to the company paying to have them made and distributed. The present invention is directed to a holder that provides significantly greater benefit to the advertiser and distributor because of the “attention getting” features incorporated in it.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a distinctive holder for beverage containers. The holder is cup shaped having a bottom and a circular sidewall in which a container is conveniently received. A cutout or recess is formed in the sidewall, the cutout or recess being in a desired shape or form as, for example, a logo or other decorative design. A light source is then installed in this space. The source can comprise small lamps, light emitting diodes (LEDs), optical cables, etc., and can be of only one color, or a plurality of colors. A low voltage D.C. battery is fitted into the base of the holder and supplies power to the light source. A pressure switch also installed in the base of the container is activated by the weight of a bottle or can set in the container to activate the battery and turn on the lights. Or, the switch is installed in the sidewall of the container and activated by grip pressure when a drinker grasps the holder. A programmable controller is powered by the battery. The controller can be programmed to turn the lights “on” and “off” simultaneously, or in a predetermined sequence, so to provide greater flexibility to the display. The battery is deactivated when the bottle or container is removed from the container, or after a predetermined period of time.

The holder can be of a clear plastic material, or one of a variety of colors. A particular color is chosen based upon its association with the advertiser. The holder can also have a series of spaced cutouts formed in it so, for example, the name of a sports team is displayed in one cutout, and the team's logo in another.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects of the invention are achieved as set forth in the illustrative embodiments shown in the drawings which form a part of the specification.

FIG. 1 illustrates a beverage container holder of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a sidewall of a holder in which a cutout or recess is formed;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the holder;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of an electrical circuit for the holder;

FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention having more than one cutout or recess;

FIG. 6 illustrates a third embodiment of the invention comprising a sleeve which can be wrapped around a beverage container, the illumination being incorporated into the sleeve;

FIG. 7 illustrates a base of the holder having a drainage opening formed in it; and,

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the invention comprising a holder with an inner sleeve for absorbing moisture.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what I presently believe is the best mode of carrying out the invention. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Referring to the drawings, a cup shaped beverage container holder 10 of the present invention is of a molded plastic construction and includes a base 12 and a circular sidewall 14. The holder is sized to conveniently hold a beverage container C which can be a can or bottle. A recess, cavity, or cutout 16 is formed in the sidewall of the holder. In FIG. 1, a cutout 16 a is shown to be rectangular cutout; while in FIG. 2, a cutout 16 b is shown to be an annular cutout extending completely about the sidewall. In FIG. 5, spaced cutouts 16 c and 16 d are shown to be formed opposite of each other. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the cutout can have a variety of shapes and sizes so, for example, to conform to shape of a company's trademark, tradename, emblem, or logo. Thus the cutout can have curved as well as straight sides. Also, the cutout can be continuous about the sidewall of the holder as is the cutout 16 b.

The space formed by the cutout is filled, as shown in FIG. 3, by a light source 18. The light source can be implemented in a number of ways without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the light source can be small lamps. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) can also be used. Optical fibers can also be employed. In each instance, the illumination provided by the light source can be of a single color; or the light source can provide a multi-colored display. The light source can be molded as an insert such as a round disk, square, or rectangle which readily snap fits into the recess. Other geometric patterns are also possible within the scope of the invention. In addition, the light sources can be installed around the bottom, and/or sides, and/or top of the cutout. When turned “on”, the light sources then illuminate a panel fitted into the cutout. The panel is, for example, of a clear plastic material in which is etched or inscribed a design or logo.

Power for the lights is provided by a D.C. battery 20 which, as shown in FIG. 3, is sized to fit in a cavity 22 formed in the base of container 10. Batteries of the type used in watches and hearing aids, for example, will conveniently fit in cavity 22. A pressure activated switch 24 is also installed in the base of the container and located, as shown in FIG. 3, above battery 20 in cavity 22. Operation of this circuit is such that when a beverage container C is placed in holder 10, the weight of the container pressing on switch 24, activates the switch. This completes an electrical circuit allowing current from battery 20 to flow through wires 26 from the battery to the light sources 18. So long as the container remains in holder 10, the weight of the container will keep switch 24 activated and the lights illuminated. When container C is removed from the holder, switch 24 is de-activated and the lights go off. Those skilled in the art will further understand that pressure switch 24 can also be located beneath battery 20 within cavity 22 with the switch activating the battery as described above. Also, if desired, a finger operated, two position “on-off” switch can be used in place of pressure switch 24.

Alternatively, the pressure switch is installed in sidewall 12 of the container. Now, grip pressure exerted by the drinker when they seize the holder will activate the switch to energize the battery and turn on the lights. If the switch is incorporated in the side of the holder, the holder may then include a drain hole 40 in its base 12 such as shown in FIG. 7.

In one embodiment of the invention, activating or deactivating the pressure switch results in the lights being turned “on” and “off”. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a programmable controller 28 is incorporated in the electrical circuit to power the lights 18. Controller 28 can be programmed to turn the light sources 18 “on” and “off” in a desired sequence. For example, in the logo display LOGO of FIG. 1, each letter L,O,G,O could be turned “on” in sequence. Or, all the letters could flash “on” and “off”. If the display is a design, certain elements of the design are turned on sequentially until the entire design is illuminated. If there are different colored lights, controller 28 can turn these “on” and “off” in one or more preferred sequences. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are a wide variety of lighting sequences and effects which could be implemented using controller 28.

Other features of the invention which could be implemented are use of a replaceable battery 20. Also, the cutouts 16 are constructed so that one display is interchangeable with another display designed to fit in the same cavity. In this instance, the wires 26 from the battery to the display would terminate in a socket 30 (see FIG. 3) for ease of switching the displays.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, a holder 50 for a container 10 comprises a wrap around sleeve 52. The ends of the sleeve incorporate a hook and eyelet, or Velcro type fastener for fitting the sleeve about the container. The holder has cutouts or recesses 56 a, , 56 b formed as previously described. A disk or insert 58 such as previously described includes a light array connected to a battery (not shown) through a switch (also not shown) incorporated in the sleeve. The switch is a pressure switch activated when the sleeve is tightened about the container to illuminate the lights in the disk or insert.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 8, a holder 60 is a two-piece holder having an outer cup 62 and inner, moisture absorbing liner 64. A recess or cutout 66 is made in holder 62 as previously described, and a disk or insert 68, also as previously described, is fitted into the recess. The light array incorporated in insert 68 is connected to a battery (not shown) through a switch (also not shown) incorporated in the base or sidewall of the holder. The switch is a pressure switch activated when a container is placed in the holder, or when a drinker seizes the holder to lift the container.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects and advantages of the present invention have been achieved and other advantageous results have been obtained. 

1. A beverage container holder comprising: a cup shaped holder having a bottom and a sidewall in which a can or bottle is placed; a cutout formed in the sidewall in a desired shape or form; a light source fitted into the space formed by the cutout; and, a power source energizing the light source.
 2. The holder of claim 1 in which the light source is comprised by one of a lamp, an LED, or an optical cable.
 3. The holder of claim 1 in which the light source can provide only one color or a plurality of colors.
 4. The holder of claim 1 wherein the power source is a battery mounted in a cavity in a base of the holder.
 5. The holder of claim 4 further including a pressure switch installed in the base of the holder and responsive to the weight of a beverage container placed in the holder to complete an electric circuit to activate the light source and provide illumination.
 6. The holder of claim 4 further including a pressure switch installed in the sidewall and responsive to the force exerted on the holder by someone seizing the holder to lift the beverage container to complete an electric circuit to activate the light source and provide illumination.
 7. The holder of claim 4 further including a manually operable “on-off” switch installed in the holder for completing an electric circuit, when switched to the “on” position to activate the light source and provide illumination.
 8. The holder of claim 1 further including a plurality of cutouts formed in the sidewall in a desired shape or form, and a light source fitted into the space formed by each cutout.
 9. The holder of claim 1 further including a programmable controller for illuminating the light source in a predetermined sequence.
 10. The holder of claim 1 further including a panel fitted in the cutout with the light source being adjacent the cutout to illuminate the panel.
 11. The holder of claim 10 in which the light source is adjacent one side of the cutout for illuminating the panel.
 12. The holder of claim 11 in which the light source is adjacent two or more sides of the cutout for illuminating the panel.
 13. The holder of claim 10 in which the panel includes a design illuminated by the light source.
 14. The holder of claim 1 further including a moisture absorbing sleeve fitted inside the holder to absorb moisture from the beverage container.
 15. A beverage container holder comprising: a sleeve adapted to fit about the beverage container; at least one cutout formed in the sleeve in a desired shape or form; a light source fitted into the space formed by the cutout; and, a power source energizing the light source.
 16. A beverage container holder comprising: a sleeve adapted to fit about the beverage container; at least one cutout formed in the sleeve in a desired shape or form; a panel installed in the cutout; a light source installed in the sleeve adjacent the cutout for illuminating the panel; and, a power source energizing the light source.
 17. The beverage container holder of claim 16 in which the light source is adjacent one side of the cutout for illuminating the panel.
 18. The beverage container holder of claim 17 in which the light source is adjacent two or more sides of the cutout for illuminating the panel.
 19. The beverage container holder of claim 16 in which the panel includes a design illuminated by the light source. 